Nashville is a top city in the Southeast for those seeking an energetic urban lifestyle. Residents love Nashville’s booming job market, vibrant music scene, and amazing nightlife, though some note its higher-than-average crime rates and traffic congestion as downsides. Before deciding to relocate, learn more about the pros and cons of life in Nashville!
Quick Facts About Nashville
| Population | 667,070 |
| Average Home Price | $534,248 |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,741 |
| Median Household Income | $62,087 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% |
Statistics from AreaVibes & Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
Pros of Living in Nashville
Some benefits of living in Nashville include access to top job opportunities, a legendary music scene, excellent outdoor recreation, and delicious Southern cuisine. Discover more reasons to live in Nashville below!
Pro: Fantastic Nashville Job Market
One of the best reasons to move to Nashville is its amazing job market. As one of the best cities for jobs, Nashville boasts a high median household income and low unemployment rate, with top industries like healthcare, technology, manufacturing, music and entertainment, and more. On top of that, Nashville is known as one of the best large cities to start a business and has a sprawling tech startup scene. This helps make Music City one of the best places for young professionals! Some top Nashville employers to consider include:
- CMT, headquartered in Nashville, for a career in country music, entertainment, or media
- Cat Financial to work in finance or communications
- Nissan North America to help build cars & trucks with a job in engineering or manufacturing
- Oracle to find employment in fields like software development, AI, & more
- Dollar General, headquartered in nearby Goodlettsville, for a position in marketing, management, or sales
Pro: Healthcare Capital of the U.S.
Known as the country’s Healthcare Capital, Nashville boasts a renowned healthcare industry that supports more than 330,000 jobs. In fact, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA Healthcare are some of the biggest employers in Nashville, offering abundant opportunities for those moving to Nashville in search of healthcare careers. Nashville’s top-notch healthcare also makes it a hot spot for those seeking easy access to top-tier medical care and world-class specialists.
Pro: Top Colleges in Nashville
The Athens of the South is home to a variety of world-class colleges and universities, including:
- Vanderbilt University, one of the best universities in the nation, offering a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, & doctoral degrees
- Belmont University, a private Christian university with programs like architecture, accounting, & biology
- Lipscomb University, a private Christian university offering degrees in nursing, data analytics, engineering, & more
- Tennessee State University, a public HBCU offering degrees in education, design, social work, & more
- Fisk University, a private HBCU & one of Nashville’s oldest institutions, offering a range of liberal arts programs
- Nashville State Community College, a public two-year college providing 80+ educational programs & tuition-free options
- Trevecca Nazarene University, a private Christian liberal arts university with degree programs in education, business, & more
Pro: Plenty of Outdoor Recreation in Nashville
Living in Nashville means having plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Whether you’re seeking a day of hiking, kayaking down winding rivers, or picnicking, these are some of the best outdoor spots to explore in Nashville:
- Greenways for Nashville for nearly 100 miles of paved trails perfect for cycling, jogging, or scenic strolls
- Centennial Park for a 132-acre urban oasis featuring the world’s only full-scale replica of the Parthenon & an outdoor concert series
- Radnor Lake State Park for over seven miles of trails designed specifically for wildlife viewing, hiking, & quiet reflection
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for world-class botanical gardens & striking outdoor sculptures
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for afternoon walks in the shadow of the State Capitol
- Cumberland River for endless canoeing & kayaking opportunities in the city’s aquatic playground
- Old Hickory Lake or Cheatham Lake for a weekend of boating, fishing, swimming, or camping
Pro: Lots of Family-Friendly Activities in Nashville
There’s no shortage of fun things to do with kids in Nashville, making it a great place for families to settle down. If you’re looking for awesome family activities in Nashville, check out:
- Adventure Science Center to discover the wonders of nature in interactive exhibits or explore the solar system in the Sudekum Planetarium
- Nashville Children’s Theatre to see a musical or sign the kids up for summer camps
- Nashville Zoo to see over 3,700 animals or ride the Soaring Eagle Zip Line
- Goat Yoga Nashville to enjoy a goat yoga session in the fresh air
- Fannie Mae Dees Park to spend time at a popular Nashville spot with a unique dragon sculpture
- Brushfire Pottery Studio to create your own hand-painted pottery or throw a birthday party
- Nashville Public Library to join a book club or participate in events like Family Story Time
Pro: Top Nashville Sports Teams
Sports fans will feel right at home in Nashville! Catch NASCAR races at Nashville Superspeedway—just an hour east of the city—or cheer on these local teams:
- Tennessee Titans (NFL) at Nissan Stadium
- Nashville Predators (NHL) at Bridgestone Arena
- Nashville SC (MLS) at GEODIS Park
- Nashville Sounds (MiLB) at First Horizon Park
- Nashville Roller Derby (WFTDA) at arenas throughout the city, such as The Fairgrounds Nashville
Pro: Renowned Nashville Live Music Scene
Nashville’s music scene is legendary. From honky-tonks on Broadway to historic venues in The Gulch, Midtown, and Music Row, music is core to Nashville’s identity. Here are some of the best spots to experience it firsthand:
- Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway, where clubs host live music every day of the week
- The Soul of Music City Trolley Tour for a deep dive into the city’s rich musical heritage
- The Grand Ole Opry to catch a show featuring amazing country artists or take a backstage tour of “country music’s biggest stage”
- Ryman Auditorium for world-class performances at a legendary venue known as the “Mother Church of Country Music”
- The Bluebird Cafe, one of the world’s most famous listening rooms, where you can hear up-and-coming songwriters perform in an intimate setting
- Ascend Amphitheater to enjoy an open-air concert from major artists while taking in breathtaking views of the Nashville skyline
- Station Inn to catch world-class bluegrass & roots music seven nights a week
- Tin Roof for live sets from talented local artists & rising stars
Pro: Thriving Arts & Culture in Nashville
Home to several top museums, art galleries, and art crawls, Nashville’s arts and culture scene is thriving. These are some local favorite spots to check out:
- Tennessee State Museum to peruse local historical exhibits
- Oz Arts Nashville to watch captivating dance performances, multimedia shows, & theatrical productions
- Nashville Ballet to attend performances like Nashville’s Nutcracker
- WEHO Art Crawl to drop into a variety of contemporary art galleries on the first Saturday of the month
- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum to browse an extensive collection of musical artifacts & exhibits
- Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum to find instruments & historic memorabilia from inductees like Garth Brooks
- Johnny Cash Museum to dive into the life of a notable music icon through artifacts & memorabilia
Pro: Lively Nashville Festivals & Events
With its wide variety of festivals and annual events, Nashville offers many fun entertainment options, including:
- Nashville Pride Festival & Parade to experience one of the largest LGBTQ events in the city
- Music City Hot Chicken Festival to enjoy live music from local bands while tasting some of Nashville’s best hot chicken
- Nashville Film Festival to watch film screenings, attend Q&A sessions with filmmakers, & more
- Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate Japanese culture with food, music, dance, art, & cultural lectures
- Nashville Comedy Festival to laugh with a lineup of world-class comedians
- CMA Fest to spend four days listening to popular country artists & bands
Pro: Great Selection of Nashville Restaurants
Known as one of the best foodie cities, Nashville produces creative Southern-inspired cuisine and delicious farm-to-table dishes. Here are some of the best places to experience Nashville’s food scene:
- The Loveless Cafe for an authentic Southern breakfast in Nashville
- Prince’s Hot Chicken to get a taste of Nashville’s original hot chicken
- Big Al’s Deli for soulful lunch favorites like fried pork chops & meatloaf
- Nicky’s Coal Fired to order innovative coal-fired pizzas & creative cocktails
- Marsh House for an upscale Nashville seafood experience featuring a raw bar
- etch for a modern fine-dining menu with global inspiration
- Lockeland Table to enjoy scratch-made entrees in a rustic setting
Pro: Bustling Nashville Nightlife
Nashville has an amazing nightlife scene with multiple rooftop bars, live music venues, clubs, breweries, and more. Here are some Nashville hot spots to check out for a night on the town:
- The Basement East to catch renowned live music acts across all genres in one of the city’s most beloved venues
- Black Rabbit for a chic cocktail experience in a historic setting
- Play Dance Bar for a high-energy night of drag performances, dancing, & world-class DJs
- Rosemary & Beauty Queen to enjoy vibrant rooftop cabanas, swing seats, & signature cocktails
- Skull’s Rainbow Room for a speakeasy-style atmosphere featuring burlesque performances, live jazz, & more
- Tennessee Brew Works for local craft beers on tap paired with live musical performances
- Zanies Comedy Club to see nationally-touring headliners & the best of the local Nashville comedy scene
Get Everything You Need For An Easier Move to Nashville
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Cons of Living in Nashville
A few disadvantages of living in Nashville include the intense heat, traffic jams, and high volume of tourists. Learn more about the cons of moving to Nashville below.
Con: High Cost of Living in Nashville
The cost of living in Nashville is 8% higher than the Tennessee average, and the city’s median home and rent prices are considered high—especially when compared to surrounding cities like Chattanooga, Memphis, and Knoxville. Residents also face Tennessee’s high sales tax rate of 7%, and some homeowners may find property taxes burdensome.
However, Nashville’s cost of living remains 2% lower than the national average, making it a relatively affordable big city to live in. For example, Nashville is less expensive than other major Southern cities like Charleston. Additionally, the median household income in Nashville is over $15,000 above the state’s average, helping to offset some of the city’s expenses. Tennessee is also one of the most affordable states to live in because it has no income tax or tax on retirement income, which helps Nashville residents keep more money in their pockets.
Con: Above-Average Crime in Nashville
Like any fast-growing metropolitan area, Nashville faces higher-than-average crime rates. That said, the city has seen a significant decrease in crime in recent years, due in part to citywide safety efforts like the Community Safety Task Force and the Nashville Police + Public Safety Alliance. In fact, violent crime and property crime rates in Nashville have recently reached historic lows. Plus, Nashville remains safer than 2% of cities across Tennessee, including similar-sized metros like Memphis.
Con: Hot & Humid Nashville Weather
If you’re moving to Nashville, be prepared for hot and humid Tennessee weather. The city’s subtropical climate brings hot summers with average highs in the upper 80s. Known for its muggy climate in the Tennessee Valley area, Nashville is also prone to frequent rainfall and thunderstorms. In fact, Tennessee’s capital city receives nearly 50 inches of rain a year on average—over ten inches more than the U.S. average.
On the positive side, Nashville still gets around 205 sunny days per year—plus mild winters with little snow—meaning residents have plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities! Beat the heat by taking advantage of the city’s many public pools, including Wave Country, the Centennial Sportsplex, and more!
Con: Lots of Pollen in Nashville
Nestled in a “pollen bowl” created by the surrounding hills, Nashville consistently ranks among the top Allergy Capitals in the U.S. While the city’s dense canopy of oak, cedar, and hickory trees can lead to the sniffles, many see this as a trade-off for living in such a beautifully green environment. To get ahead of high pollen counts, locals recommend keeping windows closed during peak seasons, showering after outdoor activities, and staying well-hydrated. And if you need a bit more backup, there are some great allergists in Nashville that can help further ease your symptoms.
Con: Getting Around Nashville Is Tough
Despite Nashville’s rapid growth, public transportation options remain limited. WeGo Public Transit does provide a bus system that carries passengers to and from the airport and into and out of Downtown Nashville, along with the WeGo Star commuter rail, which runs between Nashville and Lebanon, TN. But because these public transit options aren’t extensive, most residents still depend on cars to get around. However, the city’s infrastructure isn’t suited for the number of cars on the road, which causes jams and gridlock traffic, especially during rush hours. In fact, Nashville is ranked among the worst cities for traffic in the country.
Thankfully, Nashville’s central location is well-connected to several major highways, which makes getting around easier. Additionally, the city has a variety of bike routes that residents can utilize to commute throughout the city. And for domestic and international travelers, the Nashville International Airport is a convenient option!
Con: Low-Ranking Nashville Public Schools
While Nashville’s higher education institutions are known for their excellence, the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) are less impressive. Some Nashville residents report a negative view of the public school system, and test scores in Nashville are particularly low compared to both state and national averages.
That said, parents can still find highly-rated MNPS high schools in the area—like Hume-Fogg High School and Martin Luther King Jr. High School—or enroll their children in top public charter schools via Valor Collegiate Academies. In addition, the city offers a variety of programs for kids to enrich their learning, including Promising Scholars and other educational summer camps. Not to mention, thanks to MNPS’ commitment to academic integrity, the local perception of the school system continues to improve.
Con: Downtown Nashville Tourism
The Broadway entertainment district draws many people to Nashville, making it one of the most visited cities in America—but the high tourist volume can make downtown feel like a no-go area for locals. Nashville is also considered the #1 destination for bachelorette parties in the U.S., and residents report that the constant influx of pedal taverns, party buses, and heavy crowds can make Downtown Nashville feel more like a theme park than a neighborhood at times.
However, this tourist boom also brings great local musicians and bands to the city—just one way that locals can benefit from the city’s popularity. Tourism also continues to strengthen Nashville’s economy, generating billions of dollars in visitor spending—which helps support local jobs and generate significant tax revenue. Some even believe Nashville’s popularity adds to its local charm, making residents feel extra proud of their city.
Con: Nashville Noise Pollution
From the city’s thriving live music and nightlife scenes to its frequent construction, loud cars, and occasional helicopter sounds, Nashville can get a bit noisy. Thankfully, if you want to be close to the buzz of the city but prefer a quieter living environment, there are plenty of great family-friendly neighborhoods in Nashville that offer the best-of-both-worlds experience. The city has also taken action to keep noise levels at bay, including police ticketing for excessive motor vehicle noise, as well as the hubNashville portal where residents can report noise violations.
Con: Can Be Difficult to Make Friends in Nashville
If you aren’t one for nightlife, some Nashville residents report that it can be hard to make connections when first moving to the city. However, Nashville is still full of Southern hospitality, and locals are known to be fairly welcoming. That said, it’s all about putting yourself out there. A few great ways to connect with like-minded people and make friends in Nashville include volunteering with Hands On Nashville or joining local clubs or sports leagues like the Nashville Junior Chamber, Nashville Striders running club, or Mid State Sports Leagues. Or simply lean into the local culture of grocery store chats and neighborhood waves, and you’ll likely find that most residents are just as eager to make a new friend as you are!
Should You Move to Nashville?
You should move to Nashville if you’re looking for a vibrant city with top jobs, fantastic local cuisine, world-class entertainment, and a fun nightlife scene. However, take into account your lifestyle, climate preferences, and transportation needs, as Nashville residents have to contend with hot, humid weather, limited public transit options, and lots of tourists. Before deciding to live in Nashville, consider the following.
Nashville may be the right fit for you if…
- You crave big-city energy.
- You’re seeking a career in top industries like healthcare, technology, manufacturing, or entertainment.
- You value easy access to year-round outdoor recreation.
- You appreciate Southern food.
- You never want to run out of live music or nightlife spots.
You may want to consider moving to another city if…
- You’re seeking ultra-affordable housing.
- You depend heavily on public transit or prefer short commutes without traffic jams.
- You suffer from severe seasonal allergies.
- You dislike warm weather or humidity.
- You’re looking for a quiet or low-key city to call home.
Nashville Compared to Nearby Cities
Wondering if Nashville is better than Memphis, Atlanta, or Charlotte? Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which Southern city is right for you.
| Factor | Nashville, TN | Memphis, TN | Atlanta, GA | Charlotte, NC |
| Average Monthly Rent Price | $1,741 | $1,576 | $1,458 | $1,573 |
| Average Home Price | $534,248 | $412,965 | $430,619 | $401,923 |
| Average Commute Time | 25 minutes | 22 minutes | 26 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Walk Score | 29/100 | 35/100 | 48/100 | 26/100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% | 5.4% | 4.4% | 3.5% |
| Major Industries | Healthcare, technology, entertainment | Logistics, healthcare, agribusiness | Fintech, life sciences, technology | Finance, technology, manufacturing |
Statistics from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Best Places, Walk Score, & AreaVibes
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Nashville
What salary is needed to live comfortably in Nashville?
A comfortable lifestyle for a single adult with no children in Nashville typically requires an annual salary of just over $51,000. Given that the median household income in Nashville is more than $62,000, it’s very possible to build a high-quality life here.
Is Nashville safe?
Though Nashville crime rates are higher than the national average, the capital of Tennessee is still widely considered a safe city for its size. For particularly low crime rates and tight-knit community vibes, consider moving to one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville—such as Germantown, Green Hills, or Inglewood.
Does it snow in Nashville?
It rarely snows in Nashville, though the city does receive around four inches of snow per year. Snowfall typically comes in the form of light dustings rather than major blizzards. While this may seem insignificant to those used to more snow, Nashville’s humid, subtropical climate means that even a small amount of snow can make a big impact on the city’s daily rhythm.
How far is Nashville from Memphis?
Nashville is approximately 210 miles from Memphis, or just over a three-hour drive—making it a great option for a weekend getaway. Nashville residents love to visit Memphis to see legendary music attractions like Graceland, Beale Street, and Sun Studio, or simply for a change of scenery.
Is Nashville a good place to live?
Nashville is considered a great Southern city to live in. It’s an especially appealing destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, music fans, and young professionals thanks to its variety of parks, buzzing live music and nightlife scenes, and thriving healthcare and tech sectors.
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